Embracing Healthy Feet: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Conquering Athlete’s Foot

By: Shannyn Hermann

Welcome, dear readers, to another exciting edition of our podiatry blog. Today, we’re going to dive into a common foot ailment that many individuals face at some point in their lives: athlete’s foot. At times athlete’s foot can remain chronic and persistent, but fear not! With proper knowledge, we can easily prevent and treat this pesky condition. 

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that primarily affects the skin between the toes. It is the proliferation of dermatophyte fungi Trichophyton Rubrum, Trichophyton Interdigitale, or Epidermophyton Flocossum. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Predisposing factors include occlusive footwear, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), difficulty drying feet and in between toes, and barefoot on communal surfaces.  

Contrary to its name, athlete’s foot can infect anyone, and it is contagious. In most cases, your podiatrist will be able to diagnose your athlete’s foot from your history and clinical presentation. The good news is that prevention and treatment strategies can keep this condition at bay. 

What are some tips for preventing athlete’s foot?

1. Embrace proper foot hygiene: Regularly washing and drying your feet, paying close attention to the spaces between your toes, can help eliminate fungal growth.
2. Keep your feet dry: Moisture is the enemy of athlete’s foot. After bathing or swimming, ensure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks and shoes. Consider using talcum powder or antifungal foot powder to keep your feet dry and fresh.
3. Choose breathable footwear: Opt for shoes made of breathable materials such as leather or mesh. This allows air circulation and reduces moisture buildup.
4. Rotate your shoes: Giving your shoes time to air out and dry completely between wears can hinder fungal growth.
5. Wear protective footwear: In public areas like pools, locker rooms, and communal showers, wear flip-flops or sandals to minimise direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

What some options for treating athlete’s foot?

1. Over-the-counter antifungal creams and powders: These topical treatments are readily available at pharmacies and can effectively combat athlete’s foot. Follow the instructions carefully and continue using them even after symptoms subside to prevent recurrence.
2. Prescription-strength medications: In more severe cases, or when over-the-counter remedies don’t suffice, consult a podiatrist who may prescribe stronger antifungal creams or oral medication to eliminate the infection.
3. Goodbye, old socks and shoes: Infected footwear and socks can harbor fungi, leading to reinfection. Replace or thoroughly disinfect them to avoid further spread.
4. Practice foot care rituals: Soaking your feet in a diluted vinegar solution or applying tea tree oil can help fight fungal infections. However, it’s crucial to consult with your podiatrist before attempting any home remedies to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Remember, maintaining healthy feet extends beyond treating athlete’s foot. Regular visits to a podiatrist, proper nail care, and wearing comfortable, supportive shoes are essential components of maintaining overall foot health. Embrace good foot hygiene, choose the right footwear, and prioritie your foot health. Our feet support us in every step we take, so it’s crucial to show them the love they deserve.

References

Athlete’s Foot, Digital Image, DermNet. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/search.html?q=athletes+foot (Accessed: 09 August 2023).

Thompson DA. Athlete’s Foot. In: Adult Telephone Protocols. 4th ed. American Academy of Paediatrics; 2019. 

Crawford F, et al. Topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the foot. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016; doi.10.1002/14651858.CD001434.pub2. 

Bell-Syer EM, et al. Oral treatments for fungal infections of the skin of the foot. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015; doi.10.1002/14651858.CD003584.pub2.

Newman CC, et al. Clinical pearls in dermatology 2017. Disease-a-Month 2017; doi.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2017.03.003.